As sides in the National League gear up for the third matchday of the season, we’re taking a look back at the stand out performances so far in the division, so you can keep an eye out for them (apart from one) on Tuesday evening.

Our experts have picked out the five key players who have impressed us so far. In no particular order, here they are:

Nick Haughton - AFC Fylde

It would be hard to leave him out of this list, Nick Haughton was a hat trick hero last weekend. As Fylde lined-up against Solihull Moors, last year’s play-off finalists, not even Haughton would’ve expected to put out a performance like that.

Haughton’s hattrick helped Fylde to a tough 3-2 victory over Solihull Moors, and cements him as an easy pick for our stand out performers.

Nick Haughton now has 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 goals in just two games 😮‍💨

Should be playing higher.#TheVanarama pic.twitter.com/hAqwsiEfnV

— Vanarama (@Vanarama) August 17, 2024

Greg Olley - Gateshead

In what’s probably been a disappointing week for Greg Olley, the Gateshead skipper can take some consolation looking back on his performance in matchday one.

Olley was on fire. The midfielder scored a hat trick against Ebbsfleet, and stood out as the key man for Gateshead. His technical prowess and eye for a pass put him at a level above the rest of the league, and the team would struggle to tick without him.

Not midfielder Greg Olley scoring a 14-minute hattrick on the opening day for Gateshead 😮‍💨

45' ⚽️
49' ⚽️
59' ⚽️#TheVanarama | 📸 @Emilioreo pic.twitter.com/ZVTJxrDnDK

— Vanarama (@Vanarama) August 10, 2024

Unfortunately Olley was on the receiving end of a horrific injury that will put him out of action for the season, and he’ll be sorely missed.

Matthew Hudson - Oldham Athletic

Oldham’s goalkeeper showed his class on the division's opening day. In a 3-0 win over Braintree. Hudson made three saves from chances inside the box, including a crucial penalty save at 2-0.

Hudson is very happy in possession, and not afraid of sweeping up loose balls miles outside his area.

It was far and away the best goalkeeper performance of the season so far, and he’ll prove crucial for Oldham over the course of the season.

⛔️ Matt Hudson appreciation post.@hudson_mathew | #oafc pic.twitter.com/k3LiqBsg6P

— Oldham Athletic (@OfficialOAFC) January 6, 2024

Dion Pereira - Dagenham & Redbridge

Dion Pereira blew us away with his performance against Wealdstone. The winger not only scored the winner, but also teed up Josh Rees for the games opening goal.

Periera’s dribbling and competence to take on an opponent was next to none in the opening match of the season. He completed five dribbles, leaving his opposing full-back flabbergasted.

Pereira also won a whopping 11 ground duels in the game, and was completely unplayable.

Another goal🤝🏽✅ pic.twitter.com/E7jb9vRGfe

— DP (@dion_pereira10) August 17, 2024

Christian Doidge - Forest Green Rovers

Christian Doidge is the type of striker every team in the National League needs. An experienced finisher and fantastic in the air, Doidge gives Forest Green an advantage by converting chances other forwards might not.

He grabbed a brace on the weekend against Boston United, as well as setting up a teammate, and his all round play secures his place in our best performances.

Christian Doidge scored on his Vanarama return on the opening day 🎯🔥

Surely nailed on for the Golden Boot by the end of the season? 🤔#TheVanarama | #FGRFC pic.twitter.com/RmXF7Q3VY1

— Vanarama (@Vanarama) August 17, 2024